BLOGS & NEWS

Journey Back to Independence

After retiring and moving to Arizona eight months ago, 67-year-old Earl Amburgey was looking forward to enjoying the weather and outdoor activities.

Those plans were put on hold, however, when a routine pre-op evaluation for a knee replacement surgery revealed a heart valve issue. Earl underwent elective mitral valve replacement surgery, but the surgery was complicated by a stroke, respiratory failure requiring intubation for supported breathing, and kidney failure, requiring dialysis.

Following surgery, Earl’s physicians recommended intensive rehabilitation to help him recover. Earl came to ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Avondale where the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team worked with him and his family to develop a personalized treatment plan that included specialized physical, speech, and occupational therapies. He benefited from the respiratory therapy as well, allowing him to have the breathing tube removed. “It was so liberating to have the tube removed from my throat and breath on my own again,” Earl says.

“My speech therapist, Mandy, has had the biggest impact,” Earl continues. “She got me out of bed to work on getting better.” This was in line with ClearSky Avondale’s program for attending all meals in the Butterfly Bistro. He also commended occupational therapist, Aya; Louis, the respiratory therapist; the physical therapists; nursing staff; and Marcy, his case manager, for being motivating and helpful. “Even Chef Ray personally stopped by and asked me if there was anything he could do to help me enjoy eating more,” he says.

After three and one-half weeks at ClearSky Avondale, Earl was discharged without any supplemental oxygen needs, and now can speak clearly, feed himself, shower with some assistance, and walk more than 100 feet using a walker.

Earl calls his experience a challenge, but he’s now looking forward to returning home and enjoying his family, the weather, outdoor activities, and his cappuccino and coffee maker.